The birthday of the Prophet, God’s peace and blessings be upon him, is a great blessing for our community and, indeed, for all believers. So if we know the day, it should renew our joy manifold times. The Mawlid (his birthday) has traditionally been a time to reflect on – and be grateful for – our Prophet, peace be upon him, and his life, miracles, and the sacrifices he made on behalf of his community. Most of our scholars have considered celebrating the Mawlid as a good practice based upon the sound hadith, “Whoever establishes an excellent practice (sunnah hasanah) in Islam has its reward and the reward of those who act upon it.” This hadith, as some less perspicacious have thought, does not contradict the narration of Lady Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, in which she relates that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, “Whoever introduces something in this matter of ours that is not from it will find it rejected.”
The latter hadith refers to blameworthy innovations that are not from Islam. Ibn Daqiq al-Eid, a polymath master of Islamic tradition, says that this hadith is foundational and that it rejects any innovation in the religion, and then further explains,
As for those matters that branch off of the roots and do not depart from his Sunnah, peace be upon him, this rejection does not apply to them, such as the copying of the Qur’an [with its innovated orthographies], and the various juristic schools that emerged as a result of the excellent study and thought of our mujtahid scholars capable of seeing the connection that the branches have to the roots, which is what the Messenger, peace be upon him, has transmitted; not included also [in this prohibition] are the later books of grammar, arithmetic, inheritance laws, and other sciences that have their basis in the words of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and his dictates. None of that applies to this hadith.
Celebrating the Mawlid, as great scholars such as Imam al-Suyuti have shown, does not depart from the Sunnah and is a branch from the root of love of the Messenger, peace be upon him.
Loving him is clearly from the Sunnah, as illustrated in the hadith in which when Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, expressed his love saying, “O Messenger of Allah, you are more beloved to me than everything except my own soul,” he was then reminded by the Prophet, peace be upon him, “None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than even his own soul between his sides.” At that point, Umar said, “By Allah, you are more beloved to me than my own soul between my sides.” The Prophet, peace be upon him, then said to Umar, “Now, O Umar, now!”
At that moment, Umar’s faith was completed – when his love matured from natural love to willful love. Natural love is the love of a child for a parent or the love of a devoted student for a teacher. This emanates from a simple truth, as stated by the Prophet, peace be upon him: “Hearts are inclined to love those who do good to them.” In other words, the human heart has no choice in the matter of natural love – love simply flows. Willful love, on the other hand, is of a higher order; it is love attained after deep contemplation of the beloved and a profound awareness that the object of one’s love is perfect, as in the case of God, or after the realization of the immense debt one owes to the beloved, as in the case of the Prophet, peace be upon him. Willful love is a matter of choice and introspection. Umar realized that his own soul that he loved so much was nothing, a cipher, without the blessing of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. It was at that moment that his willful love occurred; it took precedent over the natural love that everyone feels instinctively and without musing or meditation.
The celebration of his birthday, peace be upon him, is a matter of willful love, as it is from the religion to honor him and remember him, and part of the remembrance of Allah is to pray upon our Prophet, peace be upon him. Anything that helps us to do that, and is not an innovation, is good. Ibn Lubb and others have defined innovation as “what obliterates a sunnah.” Encouraging the community of believers to reflect on the Prophet, peace be upon him, on the sacred day of the 12th of Rabi’a al-Awwal, the day of his birth, is not destructive to the Sunnah that he brought. Moreover, the day itself is auspicious – it was the day of the Prophet’s arrival to Medina after his migration (hijrah). The day he died was also the 12th of Rabi’a al-Awwal. These are not coincidences. So let the lovers love in peace. The Mawlid is a national holiday in every Muslim country in the world except for one. May you use this time to read sirah and reflect on the blessings of his birth.
In closing, I would like to share a poem written by one of my favorite scholars, Ibn Juzayy al-Kalbi, who died a martyr in the battle of Tarifah defending the lands of the Muslims:
I desired to praise the Chosen One and was hindered
By my own inability to grasp the extent of his glory.
How can one such as I measure an ocean, when the ocean is vast?
And how can one such as I count the stones and the stars?
If all of my limbs were to become tongues, even then –
Even then I could not begin to praise him as I desired.
And if all of creation gathered together in an attempt
To praise him, even then they would stint in his due.
I have altogether ceased trying – awestruck, clinging to courtesy,
Tempered by timidity, glorifying his most exalted rank.
Indeed, sometimes silence holds within it the essence of eloquence,
And often speech merely fodder for the faultfinder.
Feroz Posted on 05/08/2012
Salaam alaikum wa rahmatullah my dear brothers and sisters,
I come from a background where the mawlid or reading of the quran in a new house , over dead people or graves has never been done and shunned as a practice. I have never had a very strong argument against it or for it, honestly I lean towards this being considered blame worthy or atleast walking a fine line or a grey area. I do not label the people who do this as innovators, but I do see that there are so many other practices that are done in the name of religion by people who follow or participate the mawlid etc.
I consider Ebadah to be something which gains the pleasure of Allah(swt) if done with the right intention and based on the ways of RasulAllah(saw). The previous statement also includes, NOT doing something, things which are prohibited. Now I am assuming that people who celebrate the Mawlid in ways which are more than just introspection and reading the seerah, do it for the pleasure of Allah(swt). So what about people who do not partake in the activity of celebrating of mawlid, are they sinning or are they just loosing out on reward that they could have gained. So if the practice is considered superogatory [nawafil], why the hate, why fight each other or why weigh the love of RasulAllah(saw) based on who celebrates his(saw) birthday or not.
I personally think, the measure of love for RasulAllah(saw) should not be narrowed down to a practice, it should be reflected by our actions throughout our lives and not by our actions on one single, isolated day of the year. I say, that lets not exaggerate and put our effots in preparing for the day when ALL will be decided and pure and complete justice will be established.
May Allah(swt) make our hearts as one and give the strength to live peacefully as His(swt) obedient slaves.
Believer Posted on 05/08/2012
When I was a child, I was the victim of a crime committed by a man and it plagued me throughout my life. When I went on hajj and I stood on Mount Arafat, the Imam who was part of our group told us that we were required to forgive everyone who ever wronged us in order for us to have the same mercy from Allah bestowed on us. I didn’t want to forgive this person but I did so at the time because I wanted my hajj to be accepted. Afterwards, the same pain of that crime returned to my heart. I am troubled by the fact that this person might be forgiven when i fact, he never asked me directly for my forgiveness. So my question is really about what occurred during hajj — is it true that you must forgive others in order for you to gain full mercy from Allah?
Annie Posted on 02/22/2012
This post reminds me somewhat in a way of the following intense debate on Islam between Dalia Mogahed and Irshad Manji. Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, if you haven’t seen this debate, you must see it:
http://fora.tv/2008/07/01/Irshad_Manji_and_Dalia_Mogahed_-_Who_Speaks_for_Islam
From this debate, I get that Dalia is a brilliant, intelligent woman, and one who is able to see truth for what it really is. Mashallah. And, Irshad is just so blinded.
Sara Posted on 02/22/2012
I know this is irrelevant to this post, but please pray for Syria. The city of Homs has turned into a river of blood shed and shelling. Marie Colvin died today. She was a journalist who smuggled into Syria to report what was going on there, and her last report consisted of her witnessing a 2 year old baby die. Every house and building has been hit:
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/cutline/marie-colvin-war-reporter-killed-syria-guest-anderson-161524606.html
Gee Chee Posted on 02/22/2012
Jazzakum Allah for this article.
On the subject of poetry and art, in my opinion you, Imam Zaid, Shukr clothing, Jaan J., Taleef Collective etc have conceptually constructed an artistic signature.
In “The Poetry of Slavery: An Anglo-American Anthology 1764-1865″ Marcus Wood notes sparse findings of pro-slavery poetry as oppose to the extensive poetical works of abolitionists. In today’s context I would place personalities like Guthrie, Dylan and others in that space. On the opposite end of the spectrum, rendered in black & white that is, the absence of artistic expression seem intrinsic to the ideologies of those that exhibit little tolerance for those around them.
In your experience do you find this to be commonplace?
Delilah Swinderman Posted on 02/18/2012
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that too few folks are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy that I stumbled across this in my hunt for something relating to this.
Muzaffar Posted on 02/17/2012
Dear Shaykh Yusuf
Assalamualikum
It is always pleasure and feast of highest degree to read you or listen to you. You are an eye opener. Ummah needs people like you at this stage. I wish I was young to join Zytuna.
Allah bless you and your family. Allah give you long life so that you can continue your extraordinary service to Islam. Ameen.
Wa salam
Muzaffar
Mohsen Posted on 02/17/2012
I thought we had moved past these divisive issues, but alas….
The question “If you don’t like the mawlid…” itself is tricky and condescending. No Muslim in their right mind (be they Salafi, Sufi, Shia…) can dislike the day the Prophet (pbuh) was born. There is a legitimate debate about the validity of celebrating the mawlid. After all, for centuries after the passing of the Prophet (pbuh), there was no sign of mawlid. So if someone wants to imitate the sahaba, the tabi’een and tab’u tabi’een in NOT celebrating the mawlid in this particular way, how can we blame them? And please give me a break with ALL the Muslim countries, as if these countries are models of humanity and justice in all other aspects!
This particular piece coming from Sh Hamza is really disappointing. Ya Shaikh, Muslims all over the US and beyond look up to you and if they see your rhetoric as sectarian and divisive, that is a disservice to them and the cause of Islam.
Ahmed Posted on 03/02/2012
Abu Lahb freed a slave on the birth of Prophet SAW and he was a kafir; but even in hell he is given water from the finger that he pointed to the slave to be freed (dream of Prophet SAW) on celebrating the birth of prophet. For a true muslim this day is everything. If you are talking about aslaf then everything we do is innovation (Bida) driving a car, wearing polymer based shoes etc etc.
The fact, with people, who do not celebrate mawlid is that their disease is in the heart (that does not love prophet) but symptoms (pains) show in the form of Bidah mongering.
A. Abdallah Posted on 02/15/2012
Alhamdulilah, we seem to have moved pass the arguments in establishing the Mawlid. Those who choose not to commemorate out of principle are fine. And may God have mercy on those who surpass hose principles and proactively vilify any Mawlid celebrators.
I believe the issue now has become how to deal with overzealous Mawlid-bashers. Not establishing the veracity of the act itself.
One suggestion would be to just avoid them as irrelevent.
Ahmed Posted on 02/13/2012
Salam Dear Sheikh Hamza,
I am very confused on this issue as I hear/read you saying the liking the mawlid is good. But I’ve heard other Sheikhs criticized the practice as an innovation. In many of these cases the criticism is leveled at celebrations like those that occur in Egypt where it’s basically just a carnival. So my question is this:
Question: When you talk about liking (celebrating?) the mawlid are you talking JUST about reflecting on the life of the profit and the mawlid as a spiritual event or do you include in that the carnivals etc. that are put on as also being halal?
Ahsan Nadeem Posted on 02/10/2012
From GF Haddad’s site:
“17. Husn al-Tafahhum wal-Dark li-Mas’alati al-Tark (“Right Comprehension and Understanding the Issue of ‘Not Doing Something’”) – which he said he wrote upon the request of his student Shaykh Mahmud Sa`id Mamduh. It was reprinted by Dar al-Awqaf in Dubai. The Moroccan Shaykh Muhtayin al-Farisi quoted the following excerpts in his book on the desirability of celebrating Mawlid titled al-Nur al-Lami`:
Al-Tark – “not doing something” – can be of several types:
(i) Out of custom or habit. Grilled desert lizard meat (d.abb) was offered to the Prophet (saws) and he stretched his noble hand to take some but when he heard that it was dabb lizard he withdrew his hand. Asked if such meat was prohibited, he replied: “No, but it is not found in the land of my people and I find it unappetizing (ajiduni a`fuhu).”
(ii) Out of forgetfulness. The Prophet (saws) inadvertently omitted something in prayer. Asked if the prayer had changed he said: “I am only a human being and I forget just as you forget. If I forget something, remind me [of it].”
(iii) Lest a new obligation be imposed upon the Umma, for example the fact that the Prophet (saws) stopped praying tarawih in congregation.
(iv) Because the Prophet (saws) did not give it any thought, as when he left the tree-stump and began to use a pulpit, whereupon the tree-stump was heard moaning until its voice was heard.
(v) Because what is not being done nevertheless falls under the general meaning of a verse or hadiths. For example, his not practicing the duha prayer and many of the recommended acts since they are comprised in the verse {and do good, that perhaps you may prosper} (22:77).
(vi) Lest it adversely affect the hearts of some of his Companions. The Prophet (saws) said to `A’isha (ra): “Were it not for the recentness of the unbelief of your people, I would have razed the House and then rebuilt it on the foundation of Ibrahim (as), for the Quraysh fell short from rebuilding it completely.”
All this shows that not doing something does not mean prohibiting it·. Then what is wrong with those fastidious people today who categorically declare things to be prohibited and exaggerate their criticism of them without proof except their claim that the Prophet (saws) did not do them! [This applies, to the Shaykh's own reasoning against sadl/irsal] Whereas his (saws) not doing them does not indicate prohibition nor even dislike·. Similarly, the Prophet (saws) did not do the following things:
(i) Celebrate the Prophetic Mawlid [in the fashion of later centuries];
(ii) Celebrate the Night of Mi`raj;
(iii) Accompany the bier while raising loud dhikr in unison so as to pre-empt – in the Maliki School – talk of the world among those present [some Hanafis also hold this cf. Shaykh Sa`id al-Burhani's margins on `Ala' al-Din `Abidin's al-Hadiyya al-`Ala'iyya]. However, it is better to imitate the Salaf in this circumstance, and they observed silence and meditation on such occasions.
(iv) Recite the Qur’an upon the dead inside houses;
(v) Recite the Qur’an upon the dead at the graveyard before and after burial;
(vi) Perform Tarawih prayer with more than eight rak`as.
Whoever prohibits any of the above or the like of them by claiming that the Prophet (saws) did not do them: recite against them the verse {Has Allah permitted you, or do you invent a lie concerning Allah?} (10:59)·. And the Prophet (saws) said: “All that I said nothing about is forgiven” (wama sakattu `anhu `afwun), meaning permitted.”
From Suhaib Webb:
“Asalamu alaykum,
Brother al-Syuufi:
A good place to start would be al-Suyutti’s Ashbah wa al-Nadhair under the axiom al-tark laysa bi hujah. There one will find the point I mentioned above addressed in great detail. Another place to look is al-Baydawi’s Manjah or any major book of Usol under the chapter regarding orders and prohibitions. And Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali’s writings on the Mawlid in Lataif al-M’arif are worth noting as well.
The understanding articulated above is that of all four schools and found in their works, though some scholars from amongst them differed on certain issues.
Here’s a quick poem on it by Sh. Abdullah al-Ghumari:
يستدل كثير من المتشددين على عدم جواز أمور كثيرة يقوم بها المسلمون بحجة أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لم يفعلها وأصحابه رضي الله عنهم، فهل ترك النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وأصحابه لأمر يدل على عدم جواز فعله ؟
إن موضوع هذا السؤال ألف فيه الشيخ العلامة السيد عبد الله بن الصديق الغماري رسالة سماها : «حسن التفهم والدرك لمسألة الترك»، وقد افتتحها بأبيات جميلة ؛حيث قال :
الترك ليس بحجة في شرعنا
لا يقتضي منعا ولا إيجابا
فمن ابتغى حظرًا بترك نبينا
ورآه حكمًا صادقًا وصوابا
قد ضل عن نهج الأدلة كلها
بل أخطأ الحكم الصحيح وخابا
لا حظر يمكن إلا إن نهي أتى
متوعدا لمخالفيه عذابا
أو ذم فعل مؤذن بعقوبة
أو لفظ تحريم يواكب عابا
As for holidays, then your understanding contradicts the majority. For more on that, please see the fatwa on this site on Independence Day.
Finally, let me remind our dear brothers and sisters of the following important usoli principle:
إنما يُنكَر المتفق عليه ولا يُنكَر المختلف فيه
“Rebuking an opinion is reserved for what is agreed upon, and not where there exists (legitimate) differences.”
SDW”
Also from Suhaib Webb:
“Dear Mohamamd:
Asalamu alaykum wa rahamatullahi wa barakatuh,
I appreciate your comments. However, I would like to remind you of the important agreed upon usoli principle that, “al-tark la yufid al-hukum bi dhatihi.” Meaning, that the Prophet or his companions (ra), leaving something does not make its absence forbidden ( a ruling in itself) unless it was clearly addressed by revelation as being forbidden or disliked.
As for the salaf, then the only thing that is binding upon those who come after them is what they agreed upon definitively with no doubt (Ijm’a) and that, as noted by most scholars of Usol, is rare. In short, leaving an action is not proof within itself according to the majority of ahl-sunna.
Suhaib”
Sofi Posted on 02/10/2012
With regards to blameworthy vs. good innovations, we should ask ourselves: Did the Sahaba organize masjid iftars during the month of Ramadan every year? Did they have annual fundraising dinners to raise money for schools and other projects? Did they have structured, Western/Islamic schools for their children to attend? Did they pray on carpets? Did they have annual conferences where hundreds of Muslims gathered to attend lectures and bazaars? Did they start MSA chapters to strenghten the iman of Muslim students on campus?The list goes on and on. The Sahaba didn’t do any of these things but as a community all of the above are norms today and nobody is complaining of bid’ah.
I am not a scholar in the least, but when I think of why the Sahaba didn’t celebrate mawlid the answer is very clear: they didn’t need to. They had the Prophet (saws) there with them as a living, breathing reality. Their hearts were filled with love for him. We on the other hand have our daily, hectic lives and are centuries away from his presence. And just like the Sahaba didn’t hold large conferences because they didn’t need them for imaan boosters or to sell Islamic wares. And just like they didn’t send their children to schools based on modern Western theory and a mix of Islam because they could send them to qualified teachers to learn. And just like they didn’t hold annual fundraising dinners and Ramadan potlucks because they weren’t necessary the same holds for Mawlid. A need arose among the Ummah generations after the Prophet (saws) passed in order to revive our love for him. Just as a need has arisen for many other practices common amongst the Muslims these days. We cannot always use “well the Sahaba didn’t do it” as our litmus tests because if we do we may as well cancel our ISNA tickets, stop going to the masjid iftars, take our kids out of the Muslim schools and send them to study with a teacher, stay away from fundraising dinners, and disband our MSA chapters. The list goes on and on.
Abdul Haseeb Posted on 02/09/2012
Assalamu alaikum,
Dear Sheikh, I’ve been following you on net for almost 2-3 years. I love you for the sake of Almighty. The universal language that you express the religion, is what attracted me the most and I think that is what make you distinct and significant in today’s age.You’ve guided and opened many doors for me. May Allah unite us in paradise and give his (salla Allahu alaihi wasallam) shafa’a and also drink from his pond.
May Allah give you a long life to guide the masses with the help of all that you drank from the shuyookh of Mauritania and other fountains like Sh. Abdullah ibn Bayyah (May Allah preserve him)
A student of knowledge (Kerala,India. resides in UAE)
Muslimah Posted on 02/08/2012
Assalamu alaikum
Things do not automatically become haram just because the Prophet(Sallalau alaihi Wassalam) or the sahabas didnot do it.It is considered to be blameworthy only if its against the Quran and Sunnah.We all know that the companions used to recite poetry in honor our Prophet(sallalalauhu Alayhi Wasslam),salawaat is commanded by the Quran and learning Seerah is a must to know about him and to love him.As for the actual celebration the proof is in the Quran itself.Say, “In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy – in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.”Our beloved Prophet(Sallalau alaihi Wassalam)is a mercy to the worlds.
This is what Mawlid is all about.
http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=7&ID=1776&CATE=108
Imam Suyutis Husn-al Maqsad
http://www.maktabah.org/component/content/article/73-fiqhgeneral/245-husn-al-maqsad-fi-amal-al-mawlid-suyuti.html?directory=71
May this be a month of immense blessings and closeness to our Master Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
Wassalam
Please forgive my poor English
Imran Zeb Posted on 02/06/2012
Sir,
I Hope the blessings and mercy of Allah are upon you and your family. The Mawlid, I would argue is nothing more than the manifestation and culimination of an outpouring of love. In loving The Prophet(upon whom be peace) one is able to attain a more comprehensive understanding of this religion. Moreover, in taking the time to reflect upon who He was we are able to rekindle the Mercy and love He manifested. The rather modern phenomenon of viewing such a celebration as an innovation has led many to be distant in their relationship with The Beloved. Those who worry that such a undertaking may lead to placing the Prophet in a position equal to God fail to understand a core essence of this faith. One can not truly have faith until one is in love with The Beloved.
The ramification of this removal as such is apparent all over the globe-in being far from the founntain of Mercy we have made this religion into a rigid form. We have become a tribulation for this Faith. The Inner Sciences of this faith in being tarnished by the ignorance of modern autodiadacts has began to take its toll on the overall spiritual health of the Muslim Community. The solution I would profss is to turn back to The Beloved, emulate Him as best we can-sending abundant praises upon him.
I married on the Mawlid and as such the past 4 years have been Merciful. To love God, Love what He loves
Imran(Shanghai)
ibnnoor ali Posted on 02/06/2012
Shukuran Shaykh AlHabeeb:
I was wondering whether you can provide for us the poem in Arabic, and the book from where it appears?
BarikAllahu Feek
IbnNoor
malika Posted on 02/06/2012
Hamza Yusuf,
Please note that :
As I want to love the prophet as much as possible, I want to know about his life deeply so that I will do exactly what he did, to follow him, nothing more nothing less.
Why ?
I want to love my Lord and my Lord told that if we want His Love, we have to follow the prophet.
Why should we do something he did not do, why ?
I hope you are sincere, if so please call Allah to help you see the truth as it is and to make the evil far away from you.
Honestly, it will make me sad if you still follow that, despite the fact it is not the right thing to do, as it is not part of sunna.
Anyway, I don’t have a look into hearts of people, Allah does and knows why
But, if you want to follow what you think is good, only, then good luck….(irony). Then, I will never look a video, read an article when you are the speaker anymore.
Malika
France
ps : sorry for any mistake I could make, my english is not my mother tongue.
Z Jones Posted on 02/08/2012
Sis, it seems you did not read the article with an open mind. Innovating what is good and doesn’t stray from islamic principles is considered praiseworthy and arguing otherwise is a dangerous road that would imply even the greatest sahabah being destined to hellfire for their ‘innovations’ such as Umar RA’s increase of the 40 tarawih, Imam Ali (KW)’s second azan for jum’ah, and Bilal RA’s wudu’ sunnah. Please be careful with what you are implying and do not throw the baby out with the bathwater in condemning bid’ah…
A brother Posted on 02/13/2012
Dear Sister,
What part or parts exactly of the Mawlid are you not happy with. The part when Muslims get together and hear the beautiful recitation of The Holy Qur’an, the part when Muslim invoke the Almighty to send blessings and peace upon the beloved Prophet (may the peace and blessings of the Almighty be upon him), the part when Muslims whole heartedly sit and listen to the stories of his glorious life, the part when Muslim sit and eat together in the name of Almighty Allah. Which part exactly are you claiming to be wrong? Many people claim this but they can’t specify the actual part that is wrong. Is it the whole act of doing this on the day the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of the Almighty be upon him) entered this world. So when Muslim all over the world do all the same acts done by Muslims on the Mawlid, but they do it on another day, a normal day not even a Friday, this is ok? Is this not wrong?
Please question the intentions of the people that participate in the Mawlid. Why are they attending? To be in a Muslim gathering, to increase their love for the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of the Almighty be upon him). A revival of the love for the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of the Almighty be upon him) is greatly needed in this age of the Ummah. If the Muslims did this on 1st of January every year, then would this be wrong?
Muslims organise events very similar to these on specific days every year. But, its not called the Mawlid, its called the Global Peace and Unity event or something similar. There is nothing wrong with this so why are people claiming there is something wrong with the Mawlid.
Please question the motives and intentions of the Mawlid, before caliming any wrongdoings by the attendees.
Sheikh Hamza Yusuf is a glorious Scholar that the western Ummah desperately needs. We need a 1000 more like him in west. I have friends who won’t listen to his speeches because they have similar thinking to yours. Instead they will listen to unlearned men claiming to be Scholars.
Please think with a clear head.
I pray Allah the Almighty grants you the loftiest abode in Paradise and overfills your heart and the hearts of the Ummah with the love of the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of the Almighty be upon him). Insha’Allah we will be granted with a 1000 more like Sheikh Hamza Yusuf.
Sevda Posted on 02/06/2012
Dear Shaykh Hamza,
Your post is, as always, thought-provoking. The concept of ‘wilful love’ which you offer is a very enlightening one. We are quite accustomed to the role of will or volition as a requite sign of intent in the context of law but ‘wilful love’ takes human ‘will’ to another level. If the Mawlid is a demonstration of anything – as I think you cogently demonstrate – it seems to be of the limited role of law in shaping (or dare I say beautifying) human hearts. If the solution is not then to be found in the law (how can it be? How can one be compelled to love?) then we are led to search for help elsewhere: in knowledge. One cannot love what one does not know, so knowledge is instrumental. It follows then that we can indeed be taught how to love; the story of ‘Umar, upon him be peace, which you narrate is demonstrative in this respect, being taught by the most erudite and refined of men.
Which leads me back to your definition of wilful love, where knowledge and contemplation of the object are essential: the contemplative knowing of God leads to love of Him, Most High; and the awareness of our indebtedness to the Prophet, upon him be peace leads to his love. My instinctive response to the use of the language of debt as a precursor to love was somewhat apprehensive. Certainly, our debt to the Beloved of God is immeasurable; beyond the power of language to convey. And if we were to be bonded in love through indebtedness, this is the perfect picture. Indeed, there are very few other human beings we would be honoured to be indebted to. Here, I am reminded of Mr. Rochester’s words to Jane Eyre, when she rescues him from a fire:
“You have saved my life: I have a pleasure in owing you so immense a debt. I cannot say more. Nothing else that has being would have been tolerable to me in the character of creditor for such an obligation: but you: it is different;–I feel your benefits no burden…”
With such a creditor, how can we not be elevated by being in his debt!
Mawlid Mubarak! May our hearts be adorned with the love of him, peace be upon him.
Yours,
Sevda
Ahmad Posted on 02/06/2012
Dear Shaikh Hamza,
I would like to say something and since it is a written statement, empty of tone of voice and gestures and all what helps deliver a correct statement I want you to know that I am writing this with my utmost respect and love for you and every Muslim.
I only would like to point my own view on what I have read and I hope our Muslims brothers and sisters will read it and if contemplate on your article and maybe my comment.
The title of the article implies that there are people hate Mawlid of our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings on him. No Muslim hates the day of his birthday. And if this is not the case, the title would still be a problem because it implies division against a group, if you dont like this then….. which will probably charge some other Muslim brother or sister to be charged with despise or hate another Muslim who does not agree with your article. And I think Islam is not about that at all.
One of the major maxims in Islam is accepting dissent.
Secondly, I don’t know if this is a good innovation or a bad innovation. If it is a Sunnah hasana or not. The way I would ask Muslims to see it is whether we are more knowledgeable in our understanding of Quran and Sunnah than the Companions and followers of Prophet Muhammad, whether we do love Prophet Muhammad more than them?
Because the people who kept his narrations, followed his sunnah and his way and loved him the most and had the better understanding of the Quran and Sunnah and did not do that themselves.
Because in reality we should love Prophet Muhammad peace be upon all days of the year and say Salla Allahu Alayhee wa Sallam every day in our life and love him as much as we do and celebrate and praise God for bringing us the Prophet of mercy to take us from darkness to light.
So you see. I ask Muslims to think of that.
I don’t know if anyone says celebrating Mawlid is wrong or not, and to me I don’t know if it is right or wrong or just normal. I only know that he did not say it, nor his companions said it or did it. And yet they were the people who loved him and were taught by him peace be upon him.
For me the fact that people celebrate Prophet Muhammad birthday reminds me of people of other religions where they celebrate their priests rabbis birthdays.
Jazzakum Allah khair and may Allah have mercy on us all.
gmlali Posted on 02/06/2012
JAZAAK ALLAH, MASHAA ALLAH…
Melaz Posted on 02/06/2012
JazaKalahari kheyr for your precious insights Shaykh. May Allah SWT bless you for your efforts to correct misconceptions.
if I could make a request, could you write a piece on the events in Syria and your experiences there like you did regarding Lybia and Egypt? I think many people would appreciate it.
Salam aleykum :)
Melaz,
Belgium
Dania Posted on 02/06/2012
Jazaka Allahu Kheiran for this clarification.
My Damascene background excels in the traditions of madh and nasheeds that are done on this day. The seerah is retold in a beautiful “mawlid poem”, while Guests (who wear their best), gather for the blessings and the remembering of our beloved Prophet Mohammed peace be upon him. After readings from the Quraan, in one voice all together, we begin salawaat ‘ala rasool. Everybody leaves the jalsa enlightened, and served some fine sweets and a pouch of colorful dragees candy that has been placed in the middle of the reading circle.
But this year is different. As much as I find great love (and duty) in celebrating the mawlid year after year; yesterday this was a particularly tough call for my family and I. I am sure you understand why.
How can we “celebrate” while massacres are going on in Homs, Zabadani, sl-Ghouta and other suburbs on this very blessed day? I find no place in my heart to celebrate while wonderful children who love the Prophet are being terrorized, praying and fasting women are being raped, honourable men are being detained and wounded bodies are left to rot; as they all starve and tremble in the escalating violence. Hasbiya Allah. The brutal regime has no “hurma” for Ramadan, Eid, Fridays, nor even on the blessed birthday of our beloved Prophet peace and blessings be upon him. Unbelievable…where are their mothers???
Dear Shaykh and dear reader, please excuse me if I have bothered you, but I am filled with tears as I type. Our beloved Prophet said : “tu’radu aleyya aamaalukum…”- I am sure he sees the humiliation the Syrians are suffering this year, and that he hears their cry…and my conscience simply cannot ignore this tragedy either. This is what has prevented my family and I from enjoying the mawlid this year. Alhamdulillah. But we love you, O Rasool Allah.
Please keep our oppressed brothers and sisters in your dua’a in these trying times. Dua’a al-Nasiri is a beautiful litany that I hold onto.
Thank you,
Wassalaam,
Dania
Ahmed Posted on 02/06/2012
I have read the piece and I would like to raise several issues.
1. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did not explicitly say that we should celebrate his birthday.
2. If we did celebrate his birthday, how would it make us any different from the Christians who celebrate Jesus (AS) birthday, which leads me to my next question.
3. If we do celebrate his birthday….then should not we also be celrbating the births of other prophets such as Jesus.
$. Please provide us with evidence of whether the companions celebrated his birthday.
Allah knows best and May Allah grant us understanding of his deen.
Z Jones Posted on 02/08/2012
Brother, it seems you did not read the article with an open mind. Innovating what is good and doesn’t stray from islamic principles is considered praiseworthy and arguing otherwise is a dangerous road that would imply even the greatest sahabah being destined to hellfire for their ‘innovations’ such as Umar RA’s increase of the 40 tarawih, Imam Ali (KW)’s second azan for jum’ah, and Bilal RA’s wudu’ sunnah. Please be careful with what you are implying and do not throw the baby out with the bathwater in condemning bid’ah…
Zohaib Hussain Posted on 02/06/2012
Asalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,
Thanks for writing about the Mawlid because I love when you write or speak about the Prophet (SAW).
Also thanks for bringing this beautiful and articulate poem to our collective attention.
May Allah increase you and us in our love for Allah Ta’la and His Beloved (SAW).
Umm Ahmad Posted on 02/05/2012
AssalamuAlaikum Brother Hamza,
I am curious after reading your article and the comments here and on facebook.
In what Islamically permissible ways can the Prophet SAW’s birthday be celebrated?
What are the references from the Quran and Ahadith stating celebrating this?
Can you clarify what you mean by ‘If You Don’t Like The Mawlid, Watch Out!’?
JazakAllahuKhairun
Amena Khan Posted on 02/05/2012
I agree with the brother above… I was so surprised to see not a single sign in the mosque of the momentous day
Nazim Baksh Posted on 02/05/2012
Thank you Shaykh Hamza. I attended a Mawlid gathering in Guyana today. It was remarkable and beautiful. Tomorrow is a national holiday called “Youm-an-Nabi” and it has been that way since the 1960′s. Muslims are only about 17-20 percent of the population of Guyana and yet it is one of 50 countries in the world where this occasion is a public holiday. The Mawlid was held at the National Cultural Center. The UK group Aashiq Al-Rasul and local brothers led about 1000 men, women and children in qasidas, Naats and qawwalis. The President and Prime Minister and their wives and senior ministers of the government, a prominent Pandit, a well-known Priest, a Rastafarian, we’re all there for the entire program which lasted 2.5 hours. And then everyone stood for the recitation of the Ta’zim at the end. The President and PM stood and recited “ya Nabi Salam alaika ya Rasul Salam alaika, but unfortunately many Muslims refused to stand perhaps influenced by people who offer religious advise with reckless abandon. I promised many local brothers and sisters who are trying to keep love of the Prophet alive in the hearts of people with poems and songs, that I will ask our scholars and our brothers and sisters in North America and Europe to make Dua’ for the communities in Guyana and Trinidad. May Allah increase their love of All-Habib, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
mnm557 Posted on 02/05/2012
Thank you for your wonderful blog and amazing lectures! I have learned so much from you over the years.
May Allah (SWT) protect our ummah from transforming the Prophet’s birthday from a day of reflection to another commercialized version of Christmas.
Um mohammad Posted on 02/05/2012
Celebrating the ‘mawlid’ is not part of our deen. It is a bid’ah, a man made holiday. The prophet pbuh never celebrated his birthday so why should we? The prophet pbuh said that there are only two celebratory holidays in Islam, Eid ilfitr and Eid iladha. When the prophet pbuh passed away, Abu bakr stood up and said “whoever worships Mohammad know that Mohammad was a man and that he died, whoever worships Allah know that Allah never dies” (many ppl reverted after the passing of the prophet bc in their extreme love for them it they went to the point of worship. I fear for ppl who elevate the prophet to an almost verbal idol. Be aware of how Muslims speak of the prophet, some sects speak as if he is an idol to be worshipped. The prophet also said, what is halal is clear and what is haram is clear and between them is gray matter, so avoid the gray matter”. Celebrating the man made holiday called “mawlid” is like celebrating Christmas, it is man made and it should be avoided. Wa allahu Alam. Allahuma inni balaght (oh Allah you are my witness that I have informed what I know to be true). Peace and guidance!
harun Posted on 02/05/2012
Salaam alaikum. I think it is the legacy the prophet left of his sunnah and noble character which we should celebrate by actually living it everyday. It’s not that just one day we get super emotional and remember him, this is what salawat-un-Nabi is for, everyday! I think there is a risk of the prophet SAW being worshipped (which is already happening). Many are not praying salaat and celebrate mawlid only, just like the ones who only are present at salaat jummuah. BUT if the mawlid events are an opportunity for the imams and leaders to advise the community of practising sunnah and bringing 100 % deen in their lives then Alhamdullillah!
Afeef Posted on 02/05/2012
Assalamu’alaikum Shaykh Hamza
I love you for the sake of Allah. I am learning a lot listening to your lectures.
I would love to ask you directly though as I’ve been in double mind about celebrating Mawlid. Before that, I heard a 13 second clip of you in which you said “… and I would say that I believe that the Mawlid , uh, if you celebrate it one day out of the year, it is a bid’ah, and I would say that you shouldn’t do that.” Of course I don’t know the context, which lecture etc, but it seemed like an unequivocal statement. So could you kindly clarify that?
And also Shaykh I would like to know if you are aware of the kind of things that go on in the name of Mawlid in the Indian subcontinent. It is called as ‘Eid of Eids.’ Youth go out on roads on motorcycles, taking green flags, shouting “Ya Muhammad” creating a scene on roads (and these aren’t exceptions). They say that this night is better than night of Qadr – may I know your opinion on these? Do you think that if something optional (like celebrating with pomp the 12th of rabi ‘al awwal) leads to more bad than good, shouldn’t it be discouraged, just as television is discouraged? Or should we ignore this saying we don’t know what is in their hearts? Shouldn’t we judge by the outward?
Finally, I would like to know if any of the sahaba, the next generation and the next generation (may Allah be pleased with them all) had any special events on this day? Despite as you say that celebrating this day isn’t outside the religion by analogies and extensions etc, does this issue not come in ‘doubtful matters’ since there is also a heavy opposition to this (or does this opposition not count because they’re recent?) and therefore left? It is not like the difference of opinion is in something which is considered fard by some and optional by some, like face-veiling, therefore you can’t call it doubtful and leave it. You can show your love for the prophet (pbuh) all year! By singling out a day for doing something special, why would we want to come under even the slightest of doubts?
I pray that you would respond to this in one way or the other.
Mohammed Posted on 02/05/2012
Dear shaikh Hamza
I also have one small request. I don’t think the title of the article is tolerant somehow, I think maybe some people will be mistakenly thinking it implies that there a to the occasion or anything like that.
I am sorry and please excuse me if I am wrong, I only mean to contribute with my thoughts with best intentions.
Thank you very much.
Mohammed Posted on 02/05/2012
Dear shaikh Hamz,
Salam alaikum
Greetings and hope you are in the best of health. You will not find a Muslim who doesn’t love our prophet Muhammad peace and blessings upon him, the noble prophet who was created on exalted standards, and I do understand your point and could even agree although for me I think that a Muslim loves prophet Muhammad everyday of his life and remember him everyday in his life and thank Allah for the mercy sent to the world to take us from darkness to light. If the Sahaba and companions of prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and I am sure you will agree that no one had loved prophet Muhammad peace be upon him more than Abu baker and the rest of the guided Sahaba and yet without the mawlid.
So it is worth thinking about it. Also I find this type of day being as Sunna hasana, I am sure Sahaba and followers of prophet Muhammad peace upon him had better understanding if the Sunna and Quran therefore that is another reason.
Last reason which is my important reason because in this we will be similar to the other religions in such occasions they do for their saints.
I really don’t know if I am right or wrong for if there is right or wrong in the first place. And may Allah guide us to his straight path and salam alaikum
gatez Posted on 02/05/2012
Article offers little proof for the mawlid. The definition of innovation is also not defined appropriately.
The points about loving the Prophet(SAW) is realized by following his actions, no where is it prescribed to celebrate his birthday or any birthday for that matter.
Islam is clear and no doubts in this matter.
Zaynab Posted on 02/05/2012
Thank you, Shaykh Hamza, for this timely reminder of the spiritual significance of the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal. My heart has been hurting because as soon as there is mention of the mawlid in some communities, accusations of bid’ah arise. I was very happy, therefore, that you clarified the distinction between establishing a sunna (an excellent practice), which has a foundation in Islam, and innovating something which has no basis. The mawlid is from one of those “excellent practices” and I pray more and more Muslims will open to their hearts and minds to this beautiful commemoration of the Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace.
zohaib Posted on 02/05/2012
Assalamualaikum…Blameworthy innovation? Where does the categories of innovations being classified as praiseworthy or blameworthy come from? Read this ayah in the book of Allah..”This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion”(surah Maida:verse 3) And yes indeed it does contradict the Hadith of Aisha(May Allah be pleased with her) which says: “Whoever introduces something in this matter of ours that is not from it will find it rejected.” And the sahaba(May peace be upon them all) never celebrated Mawlid. Are you claiming that you love Rasullulah more than the sahaba(May peace be upon them all)?
Sahaba loved Messenger of Allah(pbuh) by obeying him.So,My dear brothers and sisters in islam,the way to Venerate Prophet(pbuh) is to obey him and do as he commanded and avoid that which he forbade.And Allah knows best.
Zainab Posted on 02/05/2012
Jazak’Allah Khair Shaykh Hamza for this enlightening post. May Allah SWT give us tawfiq to understand these meanings may He increase our love for His Beloved Messenger SallAllahu alayhi wassallam
Azra Ahmad Posted on 02/05/2012
Subhan’Allah reading the poem brought tears to my eyes & revived my faith Ah.
Shuhel Posted on 02/05/2012
May Allah give you immense reward for your efforts.
Hyder Ali Posted on 02/05/2012
Allahumma-sallay-ala-Sayyedina-Muhammad-Wa-ala-aal-e-Muhammad-wa-Baarik-Wa-sallam
O Allah send peace on our Master Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad and send blessings and peace.
Though the month of Rabi-ul-awwal is a very special month in the life of our Beloved Prophet (PBUH) and hence is very special for us, but it is quite disturbing to see when in places, such as in my country, people dance on drums and loud music, block roads in the name of celebrating the birth of the Prophet.
In my country, day of Mawlid is called ‘Eid Milad-un-Nabi’; and hence is considered as a third Eid besides Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. This is very confusing because this humble servant has only found mention of two Eids in the books of classical Islamic learning, wallah-uta’ala-aalma (Allah knows best). Verily, Allah is Ghani and we are faqeer.
Fa-sallalahu-ta’ala-ala-habibihi-wa-barik-wasallam
Hyder Ali
Lahore, Pakistan
Tim Posted on 02/05/2012
Islam is about love, yet many seem so concentrated on outward practices and forget the essence of this affair it is sad.
”Indeed, sometimes silence holds within it the essence of eloquence”
SubhanAllah, such a deep line for those who contemplate.
Zachariah Posted on 02/05/2012
Jazakallah Khairun for this. The love & commemoration
of the mawlid is a foundational pillar of our deen.
Keeps the masses connected to Islam with a keen
Attachment to our master Muhammad (sas). Living in the
West it is imperative that our youth connect to the
Best of creation.
Ahmed Posted on 02/05/2012
Yeah, that’s all well and good. However it all depends on how you define “celebrate” and with what degree and to what extent you celebrate the “mawlid”. If its merely to take a moment to “reflect” as you put it, then there’s really no issue, but even then it can’t be a practice that is applied so consistently as to be applied “religiously” OR that is criticizable if NOT practiced, as then it would fall under the category of “innovation”. From what we already know by observing how this day us celebrated in many countries around the world we can plainly see that there is more to this than mere reflection or contemplation. We may agree that in it’s essence as you have presented it, it’s okay, even laudable to celebrate the mawlid. However I would still be inclined to agree with this who forbid the practice based only on what I have observed of it’s application by the “masses” or majority as well as the potential for abuse. It’s a very high risk low benefit situation, especially as it is unnecessary in that as Muslims we are awash with opportunities and occasions for said “reflection” and expression of our love for the prophet peace be upon him. So, no. Not convinced this is a good thing. I prefer to “leave that which perturbs to that which does not” in this situation. Salam.
Vanda Foresti Posted on 02/05/2012
Jazzakum Allah
Thank’s to remind everybody about the profet’s birthday, I went to the mosque yeaterday and somebody told me about, but it was like a normal day, and I think as a muslim we should do more and care more about. Even the news, I have all arabic chanels and nobody mention, I felt so bad now…
Afroz Ali Posted on 02/05/2012
Baarak Allahu feek, Shaykh Hamza, to always enlighten us in the graceful manner that you do; your conduct alone (let alone the ocean of knowing…) is amongst the easiest of ways I have found for me to emulate and learn the Prophetic Way. May Allah preserve you and increase you.
Shamael Haque Posted on 02/05/2012
Mashallah
Thank you again dear shaykh
“willful love is attained … after the realization of the immense debt one owes to the beloved”
Inshallah I hope we attain that love for the prophet peace be upon him
Can willful love be for our scholars and leaders too?
Because I feel an immense debt for all of you ( yourself, imam Zaid, Dr umar, dr Jackson, imam siraj, etc ) that have done so much for Muslims in the west. We feel indebted to you all and in the spirit of your post, love you all for the sake of Allah
Shamael
Detroit, Michigan